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Healthy One Pot Turkey Chili: Best Game Day Recipe

healthy turkey chili - featured image

This healthy turkey chili is a hearty, one-pot wonder packed with lean protein and fiber-rich beans. It delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor in under an hour, making it perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cocoa powder. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
  6. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for more heat if desired.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some beans before adding or simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. The chili tastes even better the next day. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey chili, healthy chili, one pot chili, game day recipe, easy chili, ground turkey recipe, comfort food, gluten-free chili